Arms of Mercy #2 Amish Mercies by Ruth Reid

Catherine Glick and Elijah Graber have a past that did not end well. Now, Elijah is visiting and all the old feelings, disappointments and heartache return along with him. Catherine makes a decision that ends in a horrible accident and a long recovery. Elijah does not give up on Catherine; praying daily for her recovery and that their hearts are mended allowing a possible future together. I had a hard time getting into this book and the characters. My favorite character is the red-headed bearded man and the smell of lilacs that follow him.

~I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher via NetGalley (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~

Arms of Mercy gives readers an engaging story of love, mercy, and second chances. As with other books by Reid, this one weaves in a supernatural element.

I have enjoyed Ruth Reid's Amish genre books in the past.
I look forward to one day actually reading this book.

I received a free copy from NetGalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The second book in the Amish Mercies series is just as compelling as the first, if not more so. Once again, Reid weaves together a unique plot with hints of the supernatural (the red-headed man is back!), as well as unexpected twists, heartbreaking turns and resilient hope. Catherine is instantly likable and empathetic, and readers will be fully invested in her journey. Elijah’s impulsive actions (past and present) may make him a little difficult to root for at first but, thanks to his steadfast heart, he more than aptly redeems himself and may even become readers’ favorite character of the novel. The author skillfully captures the chaos and horror of the bus accident and its aftermath, churning up emotions and keeping readers riveted to the page. With this creative and emotional storyline, Reid raises compelling questions about hope, true love, the heart of who we are and the mercy that guides us home.

(First appeared on RTBookReviews)

Arms of Mercy is book #2 in the Amish Mercies series by Ruth Reid. Once again, this author delivered a unique Amish book that included the supernatural element of angels. This is one of my favorite things about this author. I truly feel as if this unique addition of the spiritual realm sets these novels apart from others in the same genre.

The characters in this novel were so well-developed. I felt a connection with each character, Amish, and English alike. These were the type of characters you just can't help but like.

The spiritual element is subtle and reminds us of the ways in which we may entertain angels, unaware. The spiritual encounters were so flawlessly woven into this story in a believable way. There wasn't any tacky, "I'm an angel sent by God," moments that so make me cringe in Christian novels.

Overall, this book is a solid 4-4.5 read. The only reason I'm not giving it a five is that I felt slightly bogged down during parts of the story involving a lawyer. I felt his presence distracted me from what was going on with the story and then because time was spent on lawyer involvement, the ending was a bit rushed. I would have liked to have seen more romance between the main characters and less time wasted with some lawyer trying to get Elijah to hire him. Still, this book was almost perfect and it's definitely worth having in my collection. I would recommend this book to others who love Amish fiction but want something fresh and new from the genre.


Note: Kristin reads and reviews both Christian and secular fiction on A Simply Enchanted Life. Out of respect for my readers, I am including a content review. This content review will help you decide whether this book is suitable for you.

Christian or Secular: Christian
ASEL Rating: no profanity, violence, bedroom scenes, or other content that could otherwise be considered disturbing. However, there is mention of a horrible accident that resulted in the death of many. I do not feel that it was written in a "disturbing" manner.
Themes: Romance, Redemption, Overcoming odds
Suggested Age: 15+

This book was provided to me by The Publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. All opinions are my own.

Not all of her memory had been lost-deep down she knew God. He was part of her past. Thrilled about her recent recollection, her outlook brightened. She remembered something; she was a child of God. Then again, perhaps it wasn't a memory from her past at all. Perhaps that knowledge was something innate to every believer. God was past, present and future all in one - that she remembered. God has you, and He won't let go. Arms of mercy.

Catherine Glick like most Amish women dream of being married and having children. Giving her life to a family that she loves. Living with her brother and his family, she longs for a family of her own. The passing of her parents only leaves her with questions and no one to turn to with the losses she has experienced. The dream has only turned into a nightmare when her first love Elijah Graber left their small community with a promise to come back only to become engaged to a family friend. Now five years she is seeing Zach, and he has no intention of purposing. The tension only becomes thicker when Elijah comes back to witness Catherine purposing to Zack to only to be shamed. Zack is building his business and is comfortable with his relationship with Catherine. Elijah has come home to make amends with Catherine and explanation to why he did not make good on his promise.

Dealing with all her emotions, Catherine, feels like she needs a fresh start and books a bus to Florida to help her Amish cousin with her bakery. Elijah determined to make it right with Catherine, makes the same bus trip. With misunderstanding and new beginnings, they each see themselves in a new light as the travel to Florida from Michigan. When the unthinkable happens, and Elijah and Catherine are parted once again, will love and mercy make a way.

Catherine and Elijah's story only magnify how much we need mercy. That there is always hope when love never gives up.

A Special Thank You to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review

Ruth Reid gives the reader a great story of hidden love and faith. If you enjoy Amish Fiction and stories of Faith you will definitely enjoy reading this book by Ruth Reid.

Expecting her bu of five years to propose on New years’ eve, Catherine Glick life spends out of control iInstead by the unexpected arrival of an old boyfriend, Elijah. With a rash decision damaging her current relationship, Catherine will do anything to get away from the source of her shame, therefore, she goes to Florida to work in her cousin’s bakery. Will their two day bus trip together give him time to explain his actions and win her back?

Elijah Graber, knowing he hurt Cathrine when he left their Amish district six years ago, is determined to explain his actions, even if it means following her to Florida.
Elijah is starting to tear down the walls Catherine has built when their bus skids on icy roads. Catherine disappears in the mayhem and tragedy that follows. As Elijah’s friends urge him to prepare for the worst, he holds on to his hope in God and refuses to give up his search for Catherine. He lost her once to a rash decision, and he is determined that he will not lose her again. With help from the most unexpected places, Elijah sets out to find the love he once lost regardless the cost. Will he find her? Will she forgive him?

Just like the first book in this series I was blown away by this book as well. Ruth Reid has angels in her books and I am sure it is comforting to some. I hope you have a box of Kleenex with you while reading this as you'll need them. Very believable story line and while it was a bit graphically described it shows a perfect example that the Amish don't lead an idyllic life relaxing in the country baking pies all the time as some are apt to think. They have their shares of problems and heartbreak,joy and understanding just as we do. Reading a book by this author makes it hard for me to read another book because I can't stop thinking about this book. Book hangover maybe? I really would like to find out more about Catherine and Elijah's life going forward and especially how she handles her physical limitations now. Excellent book and Highly recommended!
Pub Date 05 Jun 2018
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan Fiction through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

3.5 stars. While beautifully written with excellent characters, the plot was so similar to another book I read recently. I do feel that this one was better than the other by far. The author writes well. The characters are believable and lovable. I did get a little irritated at how quickly some scenes were resolved. It was unnatural. In an effort to not give any spoilers ill just say I was left thinking “wait what just happened? That was a quick turn around.” Happenings on the bus also seemed a little far fetched. But overall it was a sweet story that was fun to read. The book reads quickly. I will definitely read more by this author.
I received a digital copy of this book from netgalley and the publisher. I was in no way obligated to write a review. All opinions are my own.

Amazing book by Ruth Reid. This was one book that I could not put down because of the wonderful characters and story line. This book will have you enthralled from the beginning to the end. Filled with mystery, hope and love with a touch of God's grace mixed in. You will not be disappointed in this book.

Arms of Mercy is a feel good romance. The characters are well-developed and ring true to life. The story line, although filled with heartbreak and huge physical obstacles, is uplifting.

This is a fantastically written Amish story. I love the characters and love how everything unraveled. Catherine and Elijah both learn many lessons and hope in God. This story flows smoothly and I did not want to put it down. I laughed and cried whiling reading. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Arms of Mercy was one of those books I couldn't finish fast enough. I could never predict how it was going to turn out. The anticipation made it a terrific read. The reader can empathize with these characters. Their guilt, bitterness, hope, desires, etc all resonant in human nature. It's what makes this book identifiable. A great read for someone who is going through that stage in life where they are trying to figure out what's next. It will fill them with hope.

Arms Of Mercy Is an intensely complicated story about love. All different kinds of love. When someone wants to be loved and he doesn't give you the kind of love you want what do you do? So, what does she do? That is something you have to find out for yourself, but it is exciting and wonderful. There is a love she has trust and rely on to see her through all of this - guess who HE is? Yup JESUS - the best best friend you could have.

The author has a beautiful way of taking a story and bringing it full circle with a depth of emotions that you feel in your heart. I loved how the author allowed readers to experience what it is like to find your faith again and reach out for mercy and hope. Catherine is a great character who I think perhaps acted impulsive when she decided to go to Florida. Her decision made, she gets on the bus timidly ready for her adventure.

I liked that the author had Elijah on the same bus as Catherine. I didn't think Catherine was thrilled with him being there, but his presence plays a big part in the story. I remember a few months back riding a bus that took me to a town three hours away. I was scared the whole trip because I didn't know anyone. These thoughts kept running through my mind, "What if the bus crashes?" What did I forget to bring with me? I left my faith behind and allowed the enemy to have a field day in my mind.

I was alarmed at all the tragedies that Catherine and Elijah endured. The first one was enough to send me back home. When the next one hit, I was beside myself. The story takes on a theme of a roller coaster ride as two people try to find their way back to each other .Elijah's determination to not give up just gave me chills. I didn't like the lawyer in the story at all. He was a person who preys on other people's tragedies for money. It just reminds us how some people are selfish and only looking out for themselves.

The story flows very well and blends two characters together as they find their purpose in life. They each travel to places that are not familiar but find hope along the way. The journey is filled with disappointment, hope, and above all mercy.

I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.

Catherine pretended to straighten the dishes on the serving table so she could spy on Zach as he came into The Amish Table. Zach looked in Catherine’s direction and smiled..Zach has been Catherine’s boyfriend for nearly five years. Zach was a clockmaker. Catherine’s sister Mary commented that you would think Zach would be on time being he was a clockmaker. Elijah came into the restaurant during the blessing and Catherine thought back to six years ago when Elijah told her he needed to go visit and old friend out of town then a few weeks later Catherine read that Elijah had gotten married after he had told her she had his heart forever. Catherine thought Zach was going to propose to her but he didn’t and she was almost thirty and would be an old maid soon. Then Catherine proposed to Zach and he told her she was too bold. Then she noticed Elijah and stormed past the two men who had broken her heart. Elijah and Zach had been best friends before he had left but he had never told Zach he was going to be married. Now Zach found out Elijah’s wife Edwina had passed away Zach had been ignoring Catherine so when she got a letter from her cousin Dawn in Florida saying she needed help in her bakery for at least the winter and Catherine decided to go and help as she needed to get away from her Amish community. The night before she was to leave Zach showed up at her brothers home where Catherine lived and proposed but demanding she did not leave even though it may take up to two years before they actually married. Catherine refused to stiff her cousin Dawn and had already bought her non-refundable bus ticket. When she was waiting for her bus Elijah showed up and spoke to her and he had also bought a ticket to Florida so they would have two days to talk.
Another excellent book of the Amish people . I loved this book it was a nice,thrilling, romantic , very spiritual read. Which was very b=nice. I loved Catherine and ELijah together. Zach annoyed me especially how he embarrassed Catherine and then turns his back on her until he hears she is leaving but he was a butthead all he really seemed to care about was his clock business. I was so happy when Elijah and Catherine got their H EA but also including Kimberly. I loved the plot and pace. I happily couldn’t find anything in this book. I love the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I highly recommend.

Sweet, sweet story. Catherine Glick has been dating Zach for five years. She is nearing thirty years old and living with her brother and his family due to the death of their parents. She wants a home and family of her own. She had hoped Zach would propose on Christmas and was so disappointed when he didn't. Surely, he would on New Years. Another disappointment. So, Catherine took matters into her own hands and proposed to him! He was shocked and told her she was desperate. He also told others in the community. To top things off, an old flame of Catherine's, Elijah, had returned to town, a widower. He had moved away and married another, breaking Catherine's heart.
Catherine has a cousin who has a bakery in Florida and needed Catherine's help, so Catherine agreed to get away for a time. Imagine her surprise to see Elijah at the bus station, also. It seems he decided to accompany her to Florida. Catherine no longer trusts Elijah or her feelings. How could she have been so wrong about him? About Elijah?
This is a must read to find out what happens on their bus ride to Florida.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Arms of Mercy by Ruth Reid is the second An Amish Mercies Novel. Catherine Glick is hoping her boyfriend of five years, Zach will propose to her on New Year’s Eve. Her old beau, Elijah Graber arrives bringing up old feeling in Catherine along with resentment and anger. When her cousin from Sarasota writes about needing help in the bakery, Catherine decides it is providence. Elijah knows that he has hurt Catherine and he would like the opportunity to explain his actions. The bus trip will allow them time to talk and hopefully rekindle their relationship. Elijah has never stopped loving Catherine. Just when they start to grow closer, an accident tears them apart. Elijah is determined to find Catherine and prays for God to assist him in his venture.

Arms of Mercy may be the second book in An Amish Mercies Novel series, but it can be read alone. I thought the book was well written and it had an interesting scenario. My attention was captured and held until the middle of the book. The pacing is good in the beginning, but it slows down considerably in the middle. I was glad when the pacing increased towards the end and I was once again invested in the story. Do you believe that God would send one of his angels to assist you? I believe that God guides us, and it is not beyond belief that in challenging situations, he would send an emissary. It is a thought-provoking concept. Ruth Reid does a beautiful job at weaving Christian beliefs (prayer, having faith, forgiveness) into the story. At times, though, I did feel that there was too much scripture (felt preachy). It is amazing how a lack of communication, misunderstanding and miscommunication can change a person’s life. I could feel (and understand) Catherine’s frustrations with Zach as he continued to drag out their courtship and focused on his watch/clock business. Five years is a long time to wait for a person to commit. The ending did feel a little rushed after the long search (the area that dragged for me), but I appreciated the epilogue. Arms of Mercy is an intriguing story. I am rating Arms of Mercy 4 out of 5 stars. This is a story that will stay with you after you finish it.

Oh how I loved the story of Catherine Glick and Elijah Graber! As a longtime fan of the authors work, I knew this book would be good, but I didn’t expect to become so attached to the characters and to care about them so much.

To be completely honest I thought the storyline would be one of unrequited love when I first started reading and that would have been just fine with me. The story went in a totally different direction than I expected when, Catherine decides to go to Florida to work in her cousins bakery. What I thought would be a predictable and familiar storyline is quite the opposite.

This book kept me reading until the early hours of the morning because I needed to find out what would happen next in this beautifully written story. I can honestly say that from now on when I smell lilacs, I will think of this book.

Arms of Mercy is the second book in the series and though it can definitely be read as a stand alone, I recommend reading, Abiding Mercy the first book because it’s just as good as this one.

Overall, I found this book to be one of the best books that I’ve read this year .The characters became so real due to the authors vivid description of them and their story was truly compelling. I loved the raw emotions from Elijah and he became a true hero in my mind. If you are looking for a book written with great depth and feeling, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed in this one.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.